Apple‘s AirTags are designed to help you keep track of everyday items like wallets, remotes, and keys. However, this feature can be misused by individuals who want to track others without their consent. To get help locating an unwanted AirTag, you’ll need an iPhone or an Android phone.
How to detect and disable an unwanted AirTag
To address this issue, Apple has implemented changes to clarify the intended use of AirTags, emphasizing that they are meant for personal belongings, not for stalking. Both iOS and Android devices can now alert users when an unknown Bluetooth device is moving with them. If you suspect you’re being tracked, your phone should automatically notify you. But be sure to contact law enforcement if you feel you are in any danger.
iPhone Alerts and Sounds for AirTags
iPhone users may receive a notification saying “AirTag found moving with you” if the AirTag is separated from its owner. This alert also applies to other Find My Network-enabled devices like AirPods. AirTags, second-generation AirPods Pro, and other Find My items can emit a sound when moved and while separated from their owners, aiding in their location.
For Android users, devices running Android 6.0 or newer have built-in unknown tracker alerts. Older devices can download Apple’s Tracker Detect app from the Play Store. This app allows Android users to scan for AirTags and play a sound to locate them, even on older devices.
Enabling Tracking Notifications on Devices
If you don’t receive an alert, ensure your tracking notifications are enabled. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, and turn on Find My iPhone and Significant Locations. Then, enable Tracking Notifications in the Find My app. Ensure Airplane Mode is off to receive notifications.
For Android, ensure Unknown Tracker Alerts are enabled in Settings > Safety & emergency.
If you hear an unfamiliar sound, use the Find My app to scan for nearby AirTags. Manually check your belongings, including jackets, bags, and wallets. The app will display a map with detection points and the sequence of movement, helping you pinpoint the AirTag’s location.
To locate an AirTag, tap “Play Sound” in the Find My app. Follow the on-screen instructions to find the device. This feature is available if the AirTag owner is not nearby. If you can’t play a sound, the AirTag might no longer be with you.
Disabling and Reporting Found AirTags
If you find an AirTag, hold your phone near it to access its details, including the serial number and the owner’s phone number. You can disable the AirTag by removing its CR2032 battery. Take screenshots of the details and contact law enforcement if necessary.
Android users can scan for trackers with Google’s Unknown Tracker Alerts feature. They can also use Apple’s free Tracker Detect app to scan for AirTags separated from their owner for at least 15 minutes. Just enable Bluetooth, open the app, and tap Scan to detect nearby trackers, which will appear as Unknown AirTag.
Using Precision Finding on iPhone
If you’re using the Find My app after being alerted that an AirTag is traveling with you, tap “Play Sound” on the device to find it more easily. Tap the notification alert on your screen and then tap Continue. Tap Find Nearby to locate the AirTag via Precision Finding, available on iPhone 11 or later models with Ultra-Wideband technology. Follow the on-screen instructions as you move around your space. Tap Play Sound to help locate the AirTag more easily. This feature will become available if the AirTag owner isn’t nearby or their Apple device isn’t within range.
If you locate an AirTag, use your iPhone or any NFC-enabled smartphone to view its details: Hold the top of your phone near the white side of the AirTag. Tap the notification that appears to access a webpage showing the AirTag’s serial number and the last four digits of the owner’s phone number. If the AirTag has been marked as lost, you might also see a message with the owner’s contact information.
You can disable an AirTag to stop its owner from receiving updates about its location. Here’s how to do it: Twist the cover counterclockwise. Remove the CR2032 battery inside. Disabling an AirTag prevents tracking, but the owner may still see its last known location before it was disabled. Take screenshots of the AirTag’s details, including its serial number and any displayed owner information, as evidence. Contact local law enforcement if you feel your safety is at risk and provide them with the disabled AirTag.
